Hearing loss: conditions

While there are several different causes of hearing loss, there are two different types: conductive and sensorineural.

Conductive and sensorineural hearing loss

The NHS website explains:

Conductive hearing loss happens when sounds are unable to pass from your outer ear to your inner ear, often because of a blockage such as earwax or glue ear. Conductive hearing loss is usually temporary and can often be treated with medication or minor surgery.

Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to the sensitive hair cells inside the inner ear or damage to the auditory nerve. Sensorineural hearing loss is permanent and hearing aids are often required to improve hearing in these cases. The most common causes of sensorineural hearing loss are age and loud noises, but it can also be caused by genetics, infections, Ménière's disease, growths (like those benign tumours associated with Neurofibromatosis Type 2 also known as NF2), meningitis, encephalitis, head injuries, multiple sclerosis, stroke, or other conditions (or even treatments for other medical conditions). Diabetes, chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease are also associated with hearing loss.